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Month: August 2015

Guard play can make or break the camp experience for the other players. The 2015 Bank Hoops Underclassman All-State Minicamp was lucky that most of the backcourt play was unselfish. Here are some of the guard standotus.

Jacob Boonyasith 6-3 So Jenison: He helped his cause before the balls came out when he measured at 6-3. Heads up, played at his pace and able to get the ball where he wants. Used his size to rebound and made the right, simple bounce passes on the break. Can create, shoot and score from all three levels, though didn’t always finish as strong as he can when the athletes started flying around the hoop. Not just a shooter, had some nice drop-offs from the drive as well. Top 10 combo guard in the 2018 class.

Nathan Burk 5-10 Fr Jackson Western: “Crafty lefty who could really shoot it,” a coach said. “Able to create his own shot and get easy baskets for teammates.”

Denver Cade 6-0 So Buckley: Shot it without hesitation, with confidence, and looked like the player who helped Parallel 45 win tournaments in May. Tough from well beyond the arc and has a mid-range counter game. Strong with the ball and rebounds. Needs to develop explosion and repertoire to finish against bigger and more athletic players.

Nigel Colvin 6-1 Fr Taylor Prep: Taylor Prep was well-represented and Colvin is another newcomer with potential. All drive, but usually did some good things when he did.

Caleb Cooper 5-6 So Holt: One of the more serious defenders in camp. A pass-first point guard on the other end. Lefty with a quick release when he did shoot it.

Jason Dietz 6-2 So Troy: Does a lot of smart subtle stuff which combined with what looks like will end up legit next-level size for his position and this is a kid to follow. Knack for being in the right spot to make plays. Can score from the arc, but over next three years will have to become a knock-down shooter for the next level.

Bryce Drews 6-2 So Hillsdale: One of the biggest point guards in the 2018 class, and still showed some breakdown game against smaller defendres. He was on a talented team at camp and did a good job finding the hot hands while stepping up and hitting shots on his own. He’ll be a four-year starter for Hillsdale.

Justin Fischer 6-1 So Warren De La Salle: No team had two guards out there playing harder than the one with Fischer and Muskegon’s Willie Shanks. The former is a top 10 point guard in the 2018 class. Would pick you up and really compete defensively. Active and talked on D; got into the passing lane with both hands and feet. Made the right decisions on the break. He’ll give the Pilots the true point guard they missed in 2015.

Tyree France 5-5 8th New Haven: In games when he was able to get up and down so that size didn’t matter, made some great passes on the break. He didn’t just hit the streaking wings, but found trailers too. A coach’s son, and it showed.

Carey Haney 5-10 Fr Williamston: Drive-and-pitch point guard with speed to spare off the outlet. Cut smartly when he didn’t have the ball. Knocked down the 3 when he had time to step into it. Good tools that will really come to the fore as the game becomes more natural.

Alex Hanshaw 6-0 Fr Thornapple Kellogg: Good complementary player because he often found himself in the right spots, made the right decisions finding shooters, while using his size to score inside. Has a forward’s game, but guard height.

Payton Harley 6-0 So Wyoming Godwin Heights: Another of Godwin Heights’ impressive camp contingent. Liked him much better than at other camps because of improved shot selection, showing the ability to catch and shoot or create his own space when he did choose to score. Responded to challenges without losing overall focus. Needs to improve passing execution, keep it crisp when he’s playing the point.

Austin Harris 6-1 So Buckley: He’s able to keep the ball away from smaller guards when they have it, and use his size advantage to hound them when they have it. Kept the ball hot and knocked down shots when it was his turn. Made 3s from the catch or dribble. Has a point guard handle and college size, with the decision making developing.

“Looks like he doesn’t miss when he spots up,” a coach said. “One of my favorite guys to coach because he was a great teammate. Looks like he thrives off of defense. Play went up a level every time he made a stop.”

Zach Hernandez 5-10 So Portage Central: True point guard who knew how to make things easy with the bounce pass.

Ronald Jeffery 5-7 Fr New Haven: Fast with a motor, he was one of the most active and aggressive defenders in camp. Needs refinement on offense.

Jake Jensen 5-8 Fr Clarkston: Confident shooter who played well off his big men. Picked his spots to drive, but if didn’t draw foul tended to get to deep and swallowed up by the size in the paint.

Robert Johnson 5-8 Fr Northville: For a rising freshman, he has a rare combination of athleticism to finish in the lane with a skill level to get there when he wanted. Looked good pushing the ball. Johnson could be an elite guard in the class of 2019 as the perimeter on his jumper continues to grow.

Artavious King 6-0 So Holt: A top 10 combo guard in the 2018 class. Combination of powerful build and burgeoning skill level make him really tough for other underclassmen to handle when he’s attacking the basket.

Cole Kleiver 5-11 So Williamston: Solid, steady ball-handler. Strong and confident enough to handle it full-court with defenders riding him. Got into the paint with an assortment of shake-free moves and made smart plays. Will be a capable replacement for Riley Lewis next season.

“Can shoot it,” a coach said. “Understated calm, cool baller.”

Matt Loney 6-2 So Frankfort: One of the most productive players in camp. With a 6-7 wingspan can check the 1-4. Pushed the ball well, with good blend of energy, athleticism and hoops IQ which allows him to set a quick pace while still making good decisions. Finishes well with combination of extension and skill. Improving as a shooter.

“Loved the way he shot the ball, he can really fill it up all over the floor,” a coach said. “He rarely missed when open. Love his length, he always plays hard and he is super fundamental. Was a fun teammate, always encouraging.”

Ryan McMullen 6-3 So Gull Lake: “Good slasher and athlete,” said a coach. “Really nice size for a high school wing. Has a lot of upside.”

Demond Mills-Bradley 5-8 So Clarkston: Very quick. Made good decisions on the break. Sometimes sat on dribble too long.

“He can score and shoot and play the game the right way,” a coach said. “Outstanding attitude also and great sportsmanship.”

Goliath Mitchell 5-11 So Goodrich: He played varsity ball as a freshman then a lot of high-end AAU ball with the Mustangs, and the pedigree was evident in his business-like approach to drills. Solid all-around point guard, with the increasing physical tools to make him a prospect. Won’t wow but the kind of guard coaches want out there. Had a nice pass-shot balance. Used the glass well.

Noah Pruitt 5-4 8th Okemos: He was solid in drills then despite his size was able to see that success carry over to the games. Smooth and confident with the ball, and also made smart, strong cuts without it. Patient waiting for daylight and finding his own scoring chances.

Gerald Sambaer 6-1 So Okemos: Good speed with the ball in the open court. Improved shot selection will make those advantages that much more dangerous.

Jon Sanders 5-4 Fr Detroit CMA: Left-handed point guard with a good skill level and game IQ. For now lacks the physicality to always see through on his good intentions.

Hunter Schattler 5-9 So Rochester: Looks like a young John Flynn with his strength, skill level and knack for scoring the ball.

“Basketball player,” said one coach. “Can score, shoot and pass. Understands the game and makes teams guard him.”

“Extremely skilled guard,” said another. “You can tell he has done a lot of skill training. Look forward to see how he performs in the OAA this season.”

Nic Sura 6-1 8th St. Joseph, East Lansing: He’s got some chutzpah to his game, didn’t look like an 8th-grader out there as the most physically ready of the middle school guards. Could score off the bounce and spot up for the 3. Lanky basketball build that looks like it could eventually give him legit college wing size.

Sam Vasiu 5-4 8th Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern: Another middle schooler that impressed with his decision making. If he ends up as tall as his brother, sophomore Benson Vasiu, it gets interesting.

Hayden Voss 5-11 Fr Dansville: Made some smart decisions on the screen-and-roll, which will make for a profitable future paired at Dansville wit 6-8 freshman Caleb Hodgson.

Chase Wasilk 6-3 So Clarkston: What you like about Wasilk is he doesn’t have to dominate the ball to produce. Uses his length defensively. Good in the halfcourt because he knows how to work it into the post and he can knock down the 3. He’ll be a college player; if he starts playing lower, slashing, more aggressive as he matures, it will be at an even higher level.

Some established players held serve, while others claimed their part of the map amongst a strong group of frontcourt prospects at the Bank Hoops Underclassman All-State Minicamp.

Devon Ali 6-3 So Lansing Waverly: Like his potential because of he just seemed to unfold and look more like 6-5 around the rim. Needs to play quicker, more assertive.

Owen Dolle 6-4 So Detroit Cass Tech: Steady and productive. Pulled off the feat of player hard without overextending himself to force things with the ball. Plays wide around the rim where he finishes and draws fouls. Steps out to take Laimbeer outside shots. He’ll have to improve his quickness and perimeter if close to done growing.

Xaviel Fields 6-4 Fr Taylor Prep: A bunch of potential, with wingspan, bounce, enthusiasm and a dangerous shot when hot. All right hand. Had the ball in his hands a lot in games, but sometimes seemed to forget he was in the same rotation as best guard and center in camp.

Brady Flynn 6-5 So Birmingham Seaholm: Like Bloomfield Hills senior and former camper Jacob Hecker, Flynn is another blue-collar 4 from the burbs. 6-5 with fundamental chops will take you a long way at 15. He consistently out-worked and out-produced seemingly more talented opponents with feel, confidence and execution. Ran the floor hard and finished the break in more than just the simplest approaches. Looks ready to step in and give Seaholm 10 and 10.

Markese Hastings 6-4 So Godwin Heights: Godwin is the defending state champion in Class B, and with the depth of young talent they had at camp don’t expect the Wolverines to slip any time soon. Two of them were long, athletic, forward converting to wing types, Hastings and Avery Moore. Hastings used his physical advantage on the defensive end, in drills and games. Decent looking form on his shot even when it wasn’t falling.

Isaac Hungerford 6-2 Fr DeWitt: Watch out for DeWitt in the coming years. Luke Hyde and Tanner Reha both made the camp’s All-2018 team, and Hungerford wasn’t that far off for 2019. All three are plus athletes and already know how to play hard. Hungerford has a nose for the ball and keeps plays alive. He’s an athletic scorer on the baseline and offensive glass, and was also able to pass after he put it on the floor.

Danny Kolp 6-8 So Petoskey: It’s easy to understand why those really watching him for the first time would come away so impressed by Kolp. His combination of length, bounce, speed and skill is rare. He beat other bigs down the court for dunks in games, and was aggressive at the rim in drills too. Needs to keep building his post game and strength. He’s a D1 player, it’s up to him to find the level. By 2020 Kolp could be the best player in this class. The next Gordon Hayward, or the next Steve Polonowski?

“Look at him as a long-term stretch 4 or small forward,” a coach said. “He can handle it, has good athleticism and range. Uses his long arms to his advantage. He was dunking with authority in drills.”

Avery Lewis 6-5 So Ann Arbor Huron: He was an x factor guy for the very good Gators 15U AAU team, and showed that same versatility here. The kind of guy who will get you a quiet 15 and 10. He isn’t yet as explosive or skilled as his older brother Mike, who was a standout forward for Huron, but is already bigger. Left-handed and passed it well in traffic. Most effective scoring when facing up to drive. Uses width and leverage defensively and to rebound.

“Big strong body that goes to work,” a coach said. “Quintessential workmanlike big that you want on your team.”

Avery Moore 6-3 So Godwin Heights: This was about the time you looked at the roster and could only shake your head, Godwin has another one? Lots of energy on the boards. Has the makings of a shooter with right release point and arc.

Tristen Mysen 6-6 So Oxford: He competed and succeeded in drills which at times were a murderer’s row of some of the state’s top young forwards. Not the most explosive, his athleticism manifests more in balance and dexterity, which show this his inside scoring game and comfort with the ball out on the court. Working on his wing game, Mysen showed a strong first step now he has to figure out what to do once he covers all that space.

“Rebounder!,” a coach said. “And can run the floor. Not bad around the rim but needs to improve offensive game. He does that — up and up.”

Jacob Polakovich 6-7 So Grand Rapids Catholic Central: Some good things to work with here, could see him becoming a GLIAC post recruit like former camper Cole Walker, now at Ferris State. Plays with a good base in the post, has a decent touch and will kick it back out to shooters. Needs to get deeper position more often to take advantage of his post game. Polakovich needs to work on his pivot foot because he’s effective as screener, passer and shooter from up top. In that same area defensively needs work, reading screens, hedging.

Kyle Stockmeyer 6-1 So Reese: He played two ages up in AAU so Stockmeyer wasn’t fazed by the competition. Good passer. Wingspan allowed him to defend taller players and extend to finish around the rim. Found a body when rebounding. Could get into trouble when driving inside when there was a lot of athleticism and size.

Sage Walker 6-7 Fr Ithaca: One of the top bigs in the 2019 class. He doesn’t guard the rim as well, but in physique and skills is reminiscent of Thomas Kithier at the same age, no faint praise. Another coach compared him to Seth Dugan. Sage’s dad, Mike Walker, was a 6-11 center from Oscoda who came out in the state’s legendary class of 1991 to play at Evansville and CMU. The younger Walker has a face-up, jab-step game from the elbows and usually kept the ball high.

Tyler Whisman 6-4 Fr Jackson Western: He looks varsity ready. From behind it was easy to mistake the sturdy frame of Whisman’s with another 2019 forward Sean Cobb. Good in transition, defensive as well. Moves like he’ll end up as a wing or even guard.

Caleb Hodgson, a 6-8 freshman from Dansville, was the top 2019 prospect at Aim High and made the overall All-Camp team. Here are the other elite performers who will go from the Bank Hoops Underclassman All-State Camp to the halls of a high school for the first time a month later.

DeAndre Carter 5-9 Fr Muskegon: Explosive handle and quick trigger jumper make him one of the more polished and talented guards in the 2019 class. Had his moment showing a true point guard game, and watched enough of Deyonta Davis to already know how to drop in money lob passes. True talent who should be in any discussion of the state’s top 10 incoming freshmen. His dad was a 6-5 point guard and if Junior gets up there, it’s over.

Khalid Fleming 5-8 Fr Taylor Prep: Ditto for Fleming. Though not as flashy as Carter he has the making of a high-end point guard and a guy who will contribute immediately in high school. Coaches loved how hard he competed in drills. He fit in well with his older Northern Michigan teammates in the games and helped contribute to some pretty basketball.

“Got rid of the ball on the break instead of keeping it and trying to score,” a coach said. “Nice rotation on his jumpshot. He can thrive in an open court or half court setting. Has to get quicker on his feet, not a great defender.”

Sean Cobb 6-6 Fr Williamston: Steady inside-outside forward who plays like a mix between Lester Abram and LaDontae Henton. Those are two of the state’s greatest players of the past quarter century, which tells you the level of potential here. But to channel more of the latter, Buckets, Cobb will need to fire up the horsepower and start creating his own luck when he’s not getting the ball in his sweet spots. An efficient scorer who will continue to build his one-on-one game.

“Very good right now, but the future is where it’s at,” said one coach. “All potential — strong long body with huge feet, he should grow qutie a bit more. Relentless on the boards. Team player. Good passer. Could afford to be more selfish. Raising the throttle on the motor will put him over the top.”

Zach Trent 6-2 Fr Flint Powers: He has the potential to be the state’s next Matt Beachler, but didn’t enjoy the touches in his first two games that Beachler once did with a legendary camp shooting performance when he was just going into eighth grade. When Trent and Sean Cobb got in the same rotation they worked well off each other as an inside-outside threat. He already has the shot and size to project him as a MAC guard. An underrated driving game to counter the close-outs.

Josh Warren 5-8 Fr Woodhaven: A coach’s son, which helps explain how he’s ahead of the curve for a kid who has yet to start high school.

“There were a lot of tough, hard-nosed guards at camp, but none looked as tough as Josh,” a coach said. “Attacked the basket hard and had multiple and-one finishes. He was the hardest competitor in drills with a worker’s mentality.”

Here are the top five sophomore prospects, based on their camp performance, who didn’t make the overall honor team from the fifth-annual Bankhoops.com Underclassman All-State Camp.

Nate Davis 5-11 So Rochester Stoney Creek: Reminds you a bit of Korey VanDussen with his deceptively big drive-by step. Smooth handle makes him a textbook A–>B point guard. Quick to the hole and able to take a hit and finish. Played both physically and with quick hands on defense. He’ll have to continue to build his scoring game and range to become the 20-point threat college coaches are looking for.

Luke Hyde 6-5 So DeWitt: If there were an MVP for the morning drill session, it would have been Hyde after he did damage around and above the basket for two hours. Got lost sometimes in games, but still made plays thanks to his hustle and wingspan, and you have to like his physical profile.

“He was the best player in drill stations,” one coach said. “Extremely athletic, I thought he was going to bring down the rim in drills.”

“Love him,” another coach said. “No idea what position he plays in high school, but this guy could be a lockdown two-guard at the next level. Coach-able, defends and can score. Great frame with a strong body and a strong mind too. It’s all up to him. Gotta think outside the box and make himself the best big perimeter player he can be, working on his handle and shot.”

Drew Knickerbocker 6-3 So Lapeer: Long and crafty. His perimeter range is extended because of how far he can get with one dribble. What separates him as a young player is that Knickerbocker was equally good off the ball, a high IQ cutter.

“Lapeer, East or West, hasn’t had a player like this in close to a decade,” a coach said. “Lanky with with a nice inside-outside game. Can drive to the bucket, hit you with an up-and-under or hurt from three-point distance. Extremely coach-able at camp in drills and games.”

Tanner Reha 6-4 So DeWitt: He may have most helped himself before the first whistle when Reha measured in at 6-4, which is taller than he may look due to the Mickey Mantle neck. That’s enough height to go along with his already filled out frame to project him as a Taylor Perry type for the MAC, or best case scenario Michael Bramos with a couple more inches and thorough ironing of the jumpshot. Defends well because of strength, toughness and being coached to know his spots. Reha has quick and repeated lift, making him a load around the rim particularly against players similarly aged or younger. The best way to defend him continues to be let him shoot, because he’ll make some, but not bury you from deep.

Trey Vallar 5-11 So Kalamazoo Central: He and Holt’s Artavious King were the most physical guards in camp. Vallar was on the same team as his Mustangs AAU backcourt teammate Lamar Norman, but played in a different rotation than the camp MVP and his own talent was apparent. He has the vision and demeanor of a true point guard, and with his strength is able to snap off passes in traffic. Has not just the strength but hangtime to make him an and-one threat. Used a separation dribble to hit 18 footers. Ran back hard on D. Will have to keep working on his skills and shot as other guards catch up physically.

“He got better as the day went on,” a coach said. “Stocky guard with the quickness to get to the rim at will.”

The first installment of coverage from the Bank Hoops Underclassman Camp, here are the top five overall performers. More players will be profiled, including All-2018 and 2019 teams.

MVP Lamar Norman 6-0 So Godwin Heights: No one shot it or finished better than Norman, and certainly no other camper did both as seemingly effortlessly. He had a next gear that recalled some of the top past performers from the Underclassman Camp. And he’s smooth in going through those gears which is why he’s a high-major talent, offensively. Piled up points while still getting his teammates involved. Defensive efforts and habits still have a long way to go. One could make a righteous case for Norman being the best guard in the 2018 class.

“Could get a bucket whenever he wanted to,” a coach said. “Finished at the rim and was lights out from deep. Extremely smooth with the basketball.”

Caleb Hodgson 6-8 Fr Dansville: Got the upper hand over another touted big man, Petoskey sophomore Danny Kolp, when he decided to stop settling for outside shots and took the game to the defense. At the same time, you have to like Hodgson’s potential as a pick-and-pop 4. Terrific passer, he made a one-handed feed on the move that was particularly surprising coming for a kid that size and age. Then he can pick you apart from the high post with the shot or pass. Needs to work on his left hand to become an even greater threat around the hoop, and can’t wait to see him drop-step dunking.

“Cerebral big man with a nice rotation,” said one coach. “Understands the game. As his athleticism improves so will his rising stock.”

Willie Shanks 5-11 So Muskegon: Plays closer to 6-4 with the way he rebounds, finishes and draws fouls. He’ll post up and blocked shots. Seemed to be around every missed shot or 50/50 ball. Repeatedly took rebounds end-to-end and made the right decision as a disher or converter. An OK shooter from 20.

“A mini version of Joeviair Kennedy, a lefty with a ton of energy and not just for himself,” a coach said. “Gets everyone involved and likes to pass. Very good athlete who you would like to see gain a few more inches, but he has what everyone wants these days — a motor.”

Blake Verbeek 6-9 So Calvin Christian: Give this kid some muscle along with his projected 6-11 height and he’s a top 10 prospect in the 2018 class. Good hands, finished high, and was comfortable with the ball away from the basket. He and Lamar Norman had a nice O-K Silver chemistry going in games. Lack of weight limits him as a post threat, and he seemed disinterested from guarding the rim. Agile enough to have made some defensive plays out on the floor. Verbeek’s name is nearly synonymous with Calvin Christian hoops, and his father Nate is a top 10 scorer at Grand Valley State.

“Lanky post with the ability to develop into a stretch 4 at the next level,” a coach said. “Knocked down multiple 3s in games. Has a nice jump-hook in the post. Would like to see him develop a counter move to go with it.”

Bryce Washington 6-4 So Southfield Christian: Slasher with the hangtime you need to be a scoring threat when confined by the baseline. Built for up-and-down basketball. Triple threat with a good first step and slippery through the lane. Odd looking flip shot but it goes in.

“Fast, fast, fast,” a coach said. “High skill level plus athletic. For as good a scorer as he was he played within himself and made great passes. Star status coming.”